Rescue team awarded

A group of Ladysmith firefighters have been awarded top marks for their grace under pressure.

The team just competed in the B.C. Regional Auto Extrication competition held in Cumberland recently.

Firefighter Mike Primrose said the team competed in three competitions, unlimited pit (allowing the use of hydraulic tools, such as the Jaws of Life), limited pit (allowing use of all tools at their disposal except hydraulics) and the rapid scenario (all the tools are available, but has to be completed in 10 minutes, half the time of the limited and unlimited pit).

The Ladysmith team finished second unlimited pit and came in third overall and Primrose took home the top medic involved.

When it comes to the rescue scenario, the incident commander, Chris Geiger, evaluates the scene and marshals the team.

“Once we’ve made the area safe, then as a medic, I go inside the vehicle with the patient,” said Primrose.

Primrose said he is extremely proud of his team who were up against the best the Island has to offer.

“The guys did an exceptional job. We started practicing a couple of months ago, a couple of days a week, that’s all volunteer time,” Primrose said of the young team.